Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

This conversation is moderated according to USA TODAY's
community rules.
Please read the rules before joining the discussion.

Mich. House leader open to compensating victims of unemployment errors

Detroit Free Press
Published 4:01 p.m. ET Jan. 11, 2018

CLOSE

Ypsilanti resident Telisha Copeland thinks she is being falsely accused by the state of Michigan for unemployment insurance fraud.
Ryan Garza/Detroit Free Press

State Rep. Tom Leonard, speaker of the state House for the 2017-18 term, addresses the newly sworn Michigan House on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017 at the Capitol in downtown Lansing.(Photo11: Julia Nagy | Lansing State Journal)

LANSING — A legislative leader says he's open to establishing a compensation fund for thousands of people who were falsely accused of defrauding Michigan's unemployment system.

Republican House Speaker Tom Leonard initially said Thursday the courts should decide compensation, which would have put him at odds with Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and others. A spokesman later clarified that Leonard misunderstood reporters' questions and opposes Democratic legislation to give victims damages for pain and suffering.

Their ability to sue has been in doubt since a lawsuit was tossed in July. An appeal is pending with the Michigan Supreme Court.

The Snyder administration has suggested providing more compensation for victims who were refunded penalties and interest but have faced other financial hardships. To qualify, victims would have to agree not to sue the state.